MARKETING TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2018

2017 is winding down which means the year of viral memes, native sponsored content, and Twitter — is over. Or is it? 2018 will indeed bring new challenges for marketers as each passing year does, but let’s make sure your company knows what research has proven ‘hot’ for the year ahead.

1. Influencer Marketing
These beauty bloggers, fashionistas, home decor enthusiasts, and mommy bloggers have perfected their craft and have the followings to prove it. The rise in popularity of social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat in recent years have provided a springboard for social influencers to propel their content into your news feed–and it doesn’t seem to be stopping. Try reaching out the niche, micro-influencers of your industry for blog posts and curated social content to get your name out there.

2. Live Streaming
According to HubSpot, video streaming accounted for 75% of all internet traffic in 2017. As Facebook and other social platforms perfect their outreach programs and continue to captivate social audiences, we can expect the use of live streaming such as Instagram Live and Facebook Live to be quick to follow.

3. Instagram Stories
The recent launch of Instagram Stories (the feature is only a little more than a year old) has influenced more social video content consumption than in previous years. Users can utilize features such as Superzoom, Rewind and the most popular, Boomerang, the customize short videos and photos in the form of a storytelling platform separate from your Instagram feed. The popularity of the feature led to Instagram Live and research shows that the use of this form of social content isn’t slowing down.

4. Chat Bots
Gartner reports that by 2020, over 85% of all online interactions will occur with the use of a chat bot. The little windows that pop up in the corner of your screen to offer suggestions and solutions to drive faster conversions are pre-programmed based on a certain workflow detection. This type of customer service “solution” is only getting improved and should be expected from most companies in later years.

5. Brand Blogs
Companies are switching gears and opening doors to hosting their own company blogs on their website. These blogs may cover a wide range of content concerning the industry and also open doors to sponsorships, native advertising opportunities, and featured guest posts. This creates a more personal connection with the viewer when content is being consumed on their own website.

2018 is destined to bring marketers new insights, fresh trends and a rise in technological/digital solutions. Are you on board with your strategies? Call us.